Thistley Hall is a late seventeenth century house of considerable architectural and historical significance, as reflected in its Grade II* listing. The proposals included, the demolition of the porch to the rear of the house and the outbuilding to the northeast, both identified as elements of low significance in the Heritage Statement. A new two storey side extension is proposed, providing a ground floor kitchen and breakfast area and a first floor en suite bathroom and dressing room to the master bedroom. An additional dormer window is proposed on the rear elevation, occupying the position of a previous dormer.
The existing ground floor plan reflects the arrangements of an earlier age, with a formal dining area, and smaller rear kitchen and former scullery areas, historically serviced by staff. This is not how most people live today, and it is reasonable that modern ways of life should be accommodated where they do not unacceptably impact on the historic fabric and character of the listed building.
Common modern requirements include a good-sized informal family kitchen and breakfast area and en-suite bathroom accommodation. The proposed alterations allow for the provision of both in such a manner as to avoid harm to the significance of the listed building. The east elevation is relatively plain and the least prominent in views towards the house; it was identified in pre-application discussions with the Conservation Officer and Historic England, as an appropriate location for the proposed extension. This has been designed to be complementary in terms of physical and visual impact, form, design and materials. Associated alterations to the rear (north) elevation will reverse some unsympathetic twentieth century adaptations and return some regularity to the rear elevation, respecting the historic bays and window openings.
